Nanjing's Chinese whispers over Longbridge

One of the roles of local newspapers is to look after readers' concerns.

This was the reason behind the Birmingham Mail's 'No more Chinese whispers' campaign two years ago when the new owners of Longbridge, Nanjing, refused to state what they had bought the bankrupt company for.

Was it simply a 'Chinese takeaway', with the former MG Rover plant machinery packed off to the Far East for cheaper car production to a country desperate for a volume car blueprint?

Or was there any serious intent to restore car-making of some form to the historic Austin plant?

At the time, Nanjing refused to say. There were hints through sources here, and alleged plans through contacts there, but nothing concrete. Hence the Mail's 'No more Chinese whispers' campaign which asked the same ten questions every day - in English and in Chinese - until they were answered.

We even printed the paper's first Mandarin headline stating the campaign name. And, eventually, we were introduced to the Chinese bosses. It was explained to us that their culture could not understand our approach, and that they were struggling, basically, to comprehend how a newspaper could be so 'disprespectful' to a large, state-run company.

But, at the time, through interpreters and go-between senior contacts, Nanjing eventually said they now understood, and they started to talk. They dismissed 'takeaway' rumours and pledged their desire to restart Longbridge production, to establish a research centre for Europe in Birmingham and to employ local skills. Smiling faces, council leaders driving prototypes out of Q Gate, and all other sorts of positive signs and sounds were made.

But now, in April 2008, several production dealines have passed and still not a single Longbridge-made MG has come out of the factory. And the Chinese are steadfastly refusing to talk to the same Birmingham Mail editor and business editor (myself and Jon Griffin) who two years ago they had started to speak to.

Does the change of ownership of Nanjing mean production plans have altered? Are there any real strategies to use Longbridge in the way they appeared to promise in 2006? Or is this now the culmination of what in effect was a long-term 'Chinese takeaway' plan?

We do not currently know, because Nanjing are refusing to answer any questions.

They had better not spend too long in silence, because we are not in China here in Brum, and the Birmingham Mail is not some state-sponsored press that is not allowed to be defiant to arrogant businesses.

If by Monday Nanjing still shows no sign of answering the Mail's questions, then we will sit down as a senior editorial team to plan 'No more Chinese whispers - phase 2'. They have no right to be silent over the future of one of our historic centres. They cannot seriously believe they can promise new jobs then change their minds without comment or criticism. Hearsay and rumours and sources will not suffice... we want no more Chinese Whispers.

Watch this space... and the Birmingham Mail by Tuesday or Wednesday next week if Nanjing's tight lips persist.